Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Risk Assessment

• Assist the Director of Safety and Security and the Security Manager II  in researching, evaluating, and reporting on threats and hazards which may present risk to the organization.
• Conduct regular risk and vulnerability assessments for campus operations as well as special events. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop comprehensive assessments.
• Compile travel risk assessments and present travel safety briefings to staff planning travel to international destinations, such as conservation projects, research trips, or executive travel.

Planning & Response

• Working with the Director of Safety and Security and the Security Manager II  and other DZCA stakeholders, coordinate, update, and maintain the organization’s Emergency Management documents, including, but not limited to:
  • Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
  • Emergency Response Manual (ERM)
  • Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
  • Security Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to emergency response and recovery
• Respond to emergency situations, manage incidents, and provide timely and accurate reports and updates to senior leadership.
• Coordinate response efforts with DZCA departments and public safety agencies.
• Communicate with affected stakeholders using the emergency notification system.
• Conduct and assist in investigations; compile after-action reports following incidents and exercises to identify areas for improvement, resource needs, training gaps, and other key findings.
• Coordinate logistics for the DZCA’s Crisis Management Team (CMT), including scheduling meetings, writing agendas, recording meeting minutes, organizing follow-up items, and liaising with public safety agencies.
• Cultivate partnerships with external entities, including, but not limited to the Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, Denver Office of Emergency Management, Denver 9-1-1, the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Colorado Information and Analysis Center, the Department of Homeland Security, and other local, state, and federal agencies or partner organizations.
• Communicate emergency preparedness efforts to senior leadership and others both orally and in written reports.

Training & Exercises

• Create and provide training and testing to staff on emergency plans, including mitigation, response, and recovery.
• As a member of the Exercise Planning Team (EPT), collaborate with the DZCA’s Conservation Sciences Department and Occupational Health and Safety Team to design, review, coordinate, evaluate, and participate in emergency drills and exercises.
• Maintain detailed records of all training and exercises 

Systems & Equipment

• Act as administrator of the emergency notification system (ENS); oversee contract renewal process with third-party software provider to ensure uninterrupted coverage, update contact lists, maintain message templates, and train authorized staff in system use and associated procedures.
• Act as administrator of the weather monitoring system; oversee contract renewal process with third-party software provider to ensure uninterrupted coverage, configure system settings, and train authorized staff in system use and associated procedures.
• Organize, maintain, and inspect first aid kits, emergency response kits, and other equipment to ensure operational readiness. Maintain lifecycle schedule and other documentation for assigned equipment and coordinate repair or replacement as needed. Reorder and restock supplies as needed.
• Coordinate and inspect the First Aid Room, its equipment, and supplies to ensure operational readiness. Reorder and restock supplies as needed.

Other Responsibilities and Duties:

•  Other assistance, as designated by department leaders, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.  DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Maintains knowledge of best practices and trends in emergency management, risk management, and private security.
• As needed, fills in for Security Officer positions to ensure campus coverage.
• Actively participates in the Security Department’s leadership team; provides guidance for all department team members when required, especially in the absence of other department directors and managers. Provide direction to staff, volunteers, and guests during emergency responses.
• Acts as a good steward of DCZA's resources. Assist with the development of budgets for emergency preparedness programs. Assist in identifying and securing grant funding for security and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public. 

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications:

• 2-year degree in emergency management, public administration, or related field preferred or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Post-secondary training in emergency management is strongly preferred.
• Those with AEM, CEM, MEP/HSEEP or similar certifications are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Three or more years of experience required in emergency management, private security, public safety, military, or related discipline. Experience developing and updating plans, procedures, training, and drills/exercises required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Requires superior organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task, and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
• Must be an outstanding communicator and considered to be a developer of programs who is comfortable working and collaborating with a broad cross-section of people in direct and matrixed relationships to drive programs to meet strategic goals.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are required.
• Knowledge of creating comprehensive emergency operation plans, response procedures, and recovery procedures.
• Working knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) is required. Experience using ICS in a campus setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with rapidly evaluating situations, making quick decisions, and reacting calmly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of technical practices including emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, crisis communications, risk assessment, intelligence, surveillance, and/or behavioral assessment.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff, managers, executives, contractors, or public safety personnel.
• Experience interpreting local, county, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidance.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Required to obtain and maintain a Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License with clear driving record within three months of hire and maintain throughout employment.
• Required to obtain a Denver Security Guard License within 3 months of hire and maintain throughout employment.
• Required to obtain and maintain Instructor Certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED (Adult/Child/Infant) within 3 months of hire and maintain throughout employment.
• Successful completion of ICS 100, 200, and 300 as well as NIMS 700 and 800 required within the past 24 months or within 120 days of hire.
• HSEEP Certification required within twelve (12) months of hire.

Position Conditions: 

• To support our security operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Ability to obtain a Denver Security License.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Schedule Availability: Ability to work a flexible schedule including one weekend (Saturday/Sunday) day per week. Occasional holidays & evenings as needed. Ability to participate in a rotating on-call schedule.  The Security Department is a 24/7/365 operation which requires flexibility in engaging all team members across multiple shifts.
• Must be able to move (80 acres) and/or stand up to 8 hours daily in adverse outdoor conditions such as cold, rain, snow, or extreme heat.
• Required to obtain and maintain certification in Stop the Bleed, First Aid, CPR, and AED (Adult/Child/Infant) within 3 months of hire and maintain throughout employment. (Provided and maintained through the organization).
• Work Location: On campus. 

Compensation:

Range for this position is $29.81-$36.52 (hourly).

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits:

Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including: 

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!

Application Process and Timelines:

Application Deadline: January 28, 2026 Review of applications will begin immediately.  DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org